Development Proposals

The Iowa City Development Services Division oversees the review process for development proposals. To inquire about a development proposal, please contact the Development Services Administrative Secretary at 319-356-5230 and ask to be directed to the Urban Planning group.

Information about land use, zoning, and development incentives can be found on the Urban Planning webpages.

Permits, Licensing & Inspections

Permits and licensing are handled by several different City departments and divisions. Building inspections and code compliance are managed by the Development Services division. 

Please visit the Permits, Licenses, and Plans Page for more information about the following:

• Certificate of Occupancy
• Construction Trade Licenses
• Design Review
• Rezoning
• Site Plan Approval
• Special Exceptions
• Zoning

Economic Development Incentives

Please visit the Economic Development Incentives webpage for more information regarding tax abatement programs and tax increment financing (TIF).

Benefits of Doing Business in Iowa City

Learn more about the benefits of doing business in Iowa City or check out our digital brochure.

Economic Development Incentives

Please visit the Economic Development Incentives webpage for more information regarding tax abatement programs and tax increment financing (TIF). 

Greater Iowa City, Inc.

Greater Iowa City, Inc. is the regional economic development agency assisting interstate commerce companies with location or expansion projects, workforce development and entrepreneurial services. Services offered include:

• access to a computerized database of sites and buildings
• community and site tours for business expansion and location projects
• community profiles and quality of life information
• entrepreneurial development programming and space, including partnerships with venture and start-up accelerators
• labor and demographic information
• state and local economic development incentive assistance
• utility information
• including rates and availability
• workforce development programming and services

New Jobs Training Program

Kirkwood Community College offers several new jobs training and apprenticeship programs and services in the Iowa City area, including the Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training (260E) program which provides funding assistance for new employee training for businesses that are growing their workforce.

State of Iowa Resources

Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA): is the statewide economic development agency, offering a variety of programs, services, and incentive programs to individuals, communities and businesses to attract and grow business, employment and workforce in Iowa.

Iowa Workforce Development: provides OSHA consultations and information on labor laws including unemployment insurance, worker's compensation, child labor, minimum wage, wage enforcement, and hazardous chemicals; boiler, elevator, and amusement ride inspection; licensing of private employment agencies and professional boxing and wrestling; and registration of construction contractors.

Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance manages sales and use taxes and hotel/motel taxes.

Iowa Secretary of State provides information for corporations, non-profit organizations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and state trademarks. 

Iowa Department of Agriculture provides regulatory information for food-related and animal-related businesses, information concerning weights and measures, and information for commercial grain storage and grain sales businesses.

Iowa Department of Commerce provides: 

• Licensing for retails and wholesale sales of alcoholic liquor, wine, and beer (515) 281-7430
• Information concerning rates and services of certain electric, gas, phone, and water utilities (515) 281-5979
• Problem resolution and information concerning insurance for small businesses (515) 281-5705
• Assistance to small businesses concerning the sale of stock (515) 281-4441
• Licensing for the following professions: Certified Public Accountants, Accounting Practitioners, Architects, Real Estate Brokers, Real Estate Salespersons, Real Estate Appraisers 515-281-3183
• Regulation of state chartered banks, finance companies, mortgage brokers, and others in the business of delivering financial products and services 515-281-4014

• Greater Iowa City, Inc.
• Better Together 2030
• Iowa City Downtown District
• South of 6 Business District
• Iowa Economic Development Authority
• Johnson County
• State of Iowa
• Think Iowa City (Iowa City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau)

• Summer of the Arts